REI this week named Portland’s Mary Beth Laughton the co-op’s next CEO, making her the latest Nike executive to get the top job at another company. Laughton will succeed Eric Artz, who is retiring.

REI Co-op President and CEO Eric Artz will retire in March, marking a new chapter in the co-op’s 87-year history. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI Board Director described as a “seasoned retail leader,” will join REI as president on February 3, 2025, before assuming full CEO responsibilities on March 31.

Weeks after the retailer shuttered its experiences business, REI on Wednesday announced that CEO Eric Artz will retire in March as part of a planned succession process. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI board director and one-time Athleta CEO, will take on the role, per a press release emailed to Retail Dive.

Nike executive Mary Beth Laughton has been named incoming CEO of REI. Laughton has since August 2023 been head of Nike Global Direct to Consumer. According to her LinkedIn profile, she is still a member of Nike's leadership team. She will replace REI President and CEO Eric Artz, who will retire on March 31, the co-op announced Wednesday.

Issaquah-based REI announced Wednesday that president and CEO Eric Artz will retire in March. Artz has been with REI for 12 years, including six as president and CEO.

REI Co-op's CEO, Eric Artz, has announced his retirement. With REI continuing to undergo changes, where does the company stand?

Mary Beth Laughton, a footwear and fashion veteran who has held leadership positions at several industry giants, will soon take the helm at REI Co-op. The outdoor specialty retail giant announced Wednesday that Laughton will join REI as president on Feb.